I didn't see the interview, but if it happened as you described, then it does seem as though he went a bit too far and we should hold him accountable for his actions.

I saw the interview and it was just unprofessional and bad all around. Piers alternated roles between a star-struck teenage boy and a horny old geezer. He even "surprised" Beyonce by taking her out to buy a copy of her own album then teasing her when she had no money on her to pay for the album. Beyonce was gracious but clearly uncomfortable at the various points during the interview. On his best night he is odd, but that is among his worst interviews to date. Morgan replaced Larry King, but he is no Larry!

I completely disagree with Mr. Metoyer's viewpoint.

I would agree with it had Piers Morgan been interviewing some singer such as Anita Baker or Cassandra Wilson, as they present themselves in a certain dignified manner; however, the interview was done with Ms. "Bootylicious" herself! (for those unaware, "Bootylicious" is a song written by Beyonce, that she recorded with Destiny's Child)

In other words, that is exactly what she sells. Beyonce's visual sexuality has always been a major part of her act and the way that she has been promoted--which has always confused me given her parents' heavy involvement in her career.

If Beyonce does not like that type of question, then she should stop promoting herself in that manner---but don't hold your breath, because I seriously doubt that will happen any time soon.

David,
It's obvious from your response that you didn't see the interview because Beyoncé does not promote herself as being "Bootylicious". Since you're so good at doing research, I suggest you take a look at when that song was released by Destiny's Child; the year was 2001-- more than 10 years ago.Since then, Beyoncé has recorded a number of other hits, launched an acting career and started a successful fashion business.

During this interview, Piers Morgan made no reference to the song. He just asked her out of the clear blue sky "Compare your Booty to J-Lo's"! While he kept asking the question, his crew showed a picture of Jennifer Lopez's backside. It was disrespectful to all women of color and it happened on a major news network which is unprecedented.

His questions were out of line and unacceptable and Beyoncé as a major entertainer has earned the respect that she should have gotten. If you see Beyoncé today after all she's accomplished, and only see "Bootylicious", a song that was released 10 years ago, I suggest the problem is YOURS-- not hers!

good column Ray, with good background. i agree that Piers was way out of line, particularly since the question came out of the blue and Bootylicious and body parts was not the topic of any particular discussion. i think Beyonce is extremely attractive and refreshingly, she doesn't come across as obnoxiously vain. but we cannot deny that as a performer she does flaunt her sexuality so I don't think that David Boutte was out of line for pointing that out. he is entitled to his opinion which was not harshly stated. to suggest that he has a problem for doing so is unfair.

Mr. Metoyer,

To the contrary, I did see the interview. Nowhere did I imply that she promoted herself in that interview as being Bootylicious and to suggest that when I see her, that "Bootylicious" is all I can see is not only an incorrect assumption, but it detracts from the point that I was trying to make.

My reference to that was only one example of the type of image that she and her own promoters have promulgated. I don't see how anyone could deny that an emphasis on her body is a huge part of her promotion, as well as her act over the years.

Simply put, it is this kind of image, again projected by her and her handlers, that led Piers Morgan to the conclusion that a question like that would not be out of bounds.

Linda,-- I began my response to David with the statement that He is entitled to his own opinion. So thank you for agreeing with me on that. You are entitled to your opinion too, and it doesn't sound like you saw the CNN interview either.

But you're missing my point. I'm saying Beyonce has evolved far beyond her "Bootylicious" days and she should not be judged today based on a 10 year old song. David suggests that Beyonce should expect and deserves this line of disrespectful questioning because of her "image". No woman deserves to be asked about her "booty" on national TV-- and to compare her "booty" with another woman. It is not acceptable under any circumstances and I'm suggesting HIS problem is how he CHOOSES to view her; especially without seeing the interview!

David,
As I said, I disagree with your opinion-- which you have now updated. It was you that said in your first post: "the interview was done with Ms. "Bootylicious" herself!"
Those are your words and it's difficult to see how you can now say that you don't view her through a "Bootylicious" mindset.

I also doubt that you saw the interview, because if you had seen the dignified way that Beyonce carried herself, we wouldn't be having this debate.

Again, you suggest that her "image" should make her expect this kind of questioning. As a journalist I say you are dead wrong and this industry must have higher standards. Nothing Beyonce has done in her career-- would justify her being disrespected this way. Piers Morgan did a lousy job with the interview and it was far beneath the kind of programming we should expect from a network like CNN.

Mr. Metoyer,

Whether we agree or not, I believe you are being disingenuous in your comments:

-My opinion has not been updated-it remains the same. I believed in the first post and still believe that due to the way Beyonce sells herself, the question from Morgan was not out of line.

-I never said I don't view her through a "Bootylicious" mindset. I simply disagreed with your assumption that it was the ONLY way I see her.

-I saw the interview, I heard the reference to her mother being in the audience, I heard the question about the color of her dress, I saw them in the vehicle when he asked the question, I saw them in the record store purchasing her new cd, I heard her say she had no money. I take no personal offense, but wonder at your motives for suggesting that I am lying.

We can agree to disagree about the appropriateness of the question, but at least let's be fair with each other in our discussion.

David-- the only thing we agree on now-- is that I believe you saw the interview!
Thanks for proving that you did. But you act like you didn't see it, suggesting that again using your words;

"had Piers Morgan been interviewing some singer such as Anita Baker or Cassandra Wilson, as they present themselves in a certain dignified manner;"

You're suggesting that Beyonce is undignified and deserves this kind of shoddy treatment. During this interview, Beyonce was tastefully dressed and not wearing a stage costume like Lady Gaga. She also was very gracious and dignified in her responses; not lowering herself to the level of Piers Morgan.

I repeat-- NO WOMAN deserves or should expect to be asked about her "booty" during a major network news presentation. That has been my assertion all along and your limited idea of Beyonce's "image" is the problem I have with your opinion. I have been as fair with you as you have with Beyonce!

I must add my thoughts here. I also watched the interview and was horrified actually throughout most of it, but when Piers Morgan asked Beyonce who had the "better butt" her or J-Lo, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe that he would step that far over the line. A line that he had stepped over many times during the interview by the way. Actually my first thought was that he had no respect for this young black woman who he obviously sees only as a pop-airhead-sex-symbol-star and not as the successful entertainer and businesswoman that she is. My second thought was to wonder if this was another case of "white male entitlement psychosis" where men with this malady view women in general and perhaps women of color in particular as merely objects for their amusement, titillation and gratification. Unfortunately, there have been several instances of this lately. Piers Morgan's moment of shame was played out on a supposedly respected news network. This type of "journalism" is insulting and beneath our intelligence. We should not attempt to rationalize it nor should we continue to accept it. Wrong is just wrong.

I had a feeling that my wording there would have caused a problem when I wrote them, so let me be clear.

By saying Anita Baker and Cassandra Wilson carry themselves in a certain dignified manner, I did not mean to imply that Beyonce does not. Despite what I said about the way she is promoted, I have never seen her conduct herself in an undignified manner, so I agree with you on that point.

Thanks David-- and again that's why I believe the repeated questions about her "booty" were inappropriate for that kind of program on a major news network.
But we've jousted enough on this topic and I look forward to our next "conversation" on another topic real soon.

When Beyonce goes on stage like this, the very night before the interview aired, there's going to be questions of the type that Mr. Morgan posed:

http://bit.ly/mHMpIr

(taken from a US Magazine feature at http://bit.ly/j30XsB)

Thanks Ziza,

It's good to see the words of righteous indignation from a woman! As you said "Wrong is just Wrong", and we must demand a higher standard from those who should know better.

David,
The interview wasn't on stage-- and she wasn't dressed like that for the interview. The questions were inappropriate and demeaning to women and no professional journalist should be asking a woman to compare her "booty" to another woman's!

So your position is based upon a belief that questions or topics arising out of her persona as a performer is off-limits because the interview did not take place within the purview of a performance?

sorry to get in the middle here fellas, but David - there is a distinction between Beyonce's onstage "persona" and her offstage "real life'. A distinction that she made during the interview. Saying that Piers Morgan was justified in asking her inappropriate questions because of her stage attire is akin to saying that women who wear scanty clothing in public invite lewd comments or deserve sexual attack from men. I'm reasonably certain that you do not believe the latter...

Ziza, jump right in...it's an open forum.

Why separate her stage persona from her real life persona? Isn't the main reason she was being interviewed is because she is a huge star in the music world?

My last comment/question on this topic:

Why are you guys not offended at the way Beyonce uses her body to promote herself?

yes David of course that's why she was being interviewed. but I don't think that her being a star justifies inappropriate questioning from a journalist on what is supposedly a major news network. I found most of the interview to be demeaning and as both a woman and woman of color, I found that segment in particular absolutely appalling.

David, what do you find offensive about Beyonce's stage persona and performances? Did you or do you find Tina Turner's performances and stage persona offensive? Beyonce is basically an "updated" Tina.

Beyonce is beautiful and even sexually attractive to look at. But to suggest she, therefore, attracts rude questions about her various body parts is tantamount to suggesting that if a woman wears a skimpy dress she is "asking" to be harassed or raped.

It is not surprising that her appearance/dress are topics of discussion. However any capable journalist could have addressed this issue without being so crass. Ask whether she thinks her looks have helped her in her career, if she thinks per persona prevents her from being taken seriously, if she is comfortable being regarded as an international sex symbol even.

Almost any other question would have been better than directly asking a woman to rate her gluteus.

For some reason, when I hit the "Reply" button, my responses are not seen.

Although I thought I was done, I'll jump back in since I was specifically addressed.

Ziza, I do not find her performances offensive. I was simply responding to the apparent contradiction that some are offended by the questioning, but not by her actions on stage that would give rise to a question like that.

And Glen, that to me is a horrible analogy to say it's tantamount to harassment or attack. I only suggested that the question was not out of line. In no way would I suggest that she would deserved to be sexually harassed or attacked.

David,

With all due respect,Beyonce is a human being and deserves our respect as a woman first and we can't allow Piers Morgan or anyone else to get away with this kind of demeaning and disrespect conduct.

If a journalist has a question about her costumes, yes he can ask her about the clothes she wears onstage and whether or not they are "too provocative or sexy."
I have no problem with that line of questioning about her on stage clothing.

Asking her about her "booty" is not appropriate and is completely out of line for a so called professional journalist. Glen's example is on point and echoes the sentiments of Ziza, who expressed the same feelings over the weekend.

This is a really good discussion and I've read most of the comments here. Unfortunately, I didn't see the interview, so I'm only going off of the comments made here in this thread. I think that the question was low for Piers Morgan. Personally, as a journalist of his pedigree I would not have expected such a puerile question. However, there are some outlets such as TMZ, which I also watch, which I think this question would have been right in line with its variety of journalism and demographic. In an era where women's butts have a renewed interest (i.e. J-Lo, Kim Kardashian, Ice T's wife: Co-Co, news about women getting implants and dying over them, as well as countless other stories) I think that was Morgan's way of trying to demonstrate that he was in tune with the Zeitgeist of women's physiques in pop culture. From what I read, his ratings have been spotty, so that could also be what motivated the question. I don't think that he should separate Beyonce the star from Sasha Fierce to Beyonce Knowles in an interview. That's her hustle. But perhaps he should aim for a higher caliber of questioning or put his question into context. As a journalist, I would have discussed a little bit about the attention that is being paid so much to women's posteriors in entertainment, waited for a response and then perhaps jokingly thrown out the question once. If it went unanswered so be it. However, I don't think anyone should compare Gaga's or Madonna's breast sizes. YUCK! :-D

I understand what you guys are saying about the respect of a woman, but no one seems to want to acknowledge that SEX IS WHAT BEYONCE SELLS! Given this fact, a question that would otherwise be taboo thus becomes fair game.

David-- your argument is based on your limited view of Beyonce and your belief that she is all about sex. So I suppose that's why she sang "At Last" for the Obama's First Dance on Inauguration night, one of her countless classy performances where she was impeccably dressed in a formal. No matter what she does, you only see her in skimpy outfits and that is your problem not hers. But no matter what you see, no woman deserves to be asked a question about her booty and no professional journalist has an excuse for doing it, except to be outrageous. We can't lower our standards to allow this kind behavior by Morgan or anyone else.
Here's the link for Inauguration night; maybe it will help you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlUVkEsg1U4&feature=related

Cage,
I of course agree with you on the "breast" question. I only used it as an example of how it appears that women of color are devalued in this society. This isn't about being "politically correct"; it's about having respect for the people who are gracious enough to talk to you. I hope you do see the Morgan interview with Beyonce one day, because as a journalist it will give you a new example of what NOT to do.

Wow! Great comments, everyone. Just remember that you are all, clearly very intelligent and sharing well-analyzed views all around. So, no hard feelings, I hope! Thanks for sharing!!

Mr. Metoyer,

I am not as uninformed as you believe. Without going to your link, I am very familiar with the performance for President Obama's inauguration. That was truly a great moment, and like I said before, Beyonce always carries herself with dignity. So to say that I only see her one way is not accurate. Your response almost presumes that I believe the entire conversation should be about her sexuality. That is not the case at all. I am simply talking about one question in an hour-long interview.

Ms. Poe, definitely no hard feelings. Although we share differing views, I hope all parties believe, like I do, that it's all been done in a respectful manner.

There's nothing like a heated debate in July. No hard feelings here; just strong feelings. David, of course I know you know about the Inauguration ceremony-- I'm just reminding you that sexuality wasn't part of Beyonce's image then, nor would she have been selected to sing on that special night, if SEX is all she's selling. She is much more than that.

Also, the "Booty" question was actually asked twice and Morgan also showed a picture of J-Lo's backside as part of this bush league questioning that has no place on a major news network. It was out of line and came out of nowhere. Sure, ask her about her costumes and people's reaction to them; but not about her body parts! We as viewers can't allow journalism standards to slip this low, even for one question ( or two).

I did not see the interview. I love Beyonce stage pressence as she is one of the best female entertainers around, maybe next to Lady Gaga. They are what Tina Turner and Madonna were a generation ago, just not as good. I gon't care how someone flaunts themselves on stage to create a fantasy of their music or how they choose to represent themsleves on stage. When I see her, I see Beyonce, just like when I see Nikki Manaj, I see Nikki and I believe in interviews by a national powerhouse that in interviewing some one, you need to treat them with the level they are at and the respect you would want your mother given. Now honestly I have no idea of why the interview was given and if it was given about her new CD and there was a picture of her booty on the cover or on the inside cover or was a trach song then that is when its ok to talk about the booty and of course if you are going to compare butts, it will be with J-lo as she is the only other person beside DC that has made an priority about there backside. I have heard major news nd entertainment outlets ask Brittany spears whoes breast are bigger hers or madonna's. I believe a question was ask that of Laddy Gaga also. Best thing for some of you to do is write to the nes agency about this week interviewer and try to get him kicked off, or apologize.

Oddly enough about inaguration night, it was suppose to also be the original singer of that song, and its a sexual twist to that song and it was a supper tight dress that was on but that night was about our President. All else was fade to black.

This article by Mr. Metoyer has garnered national attention...check out Dr. Boyce Watkins' reference to it at: http://bit.ly/ojv7Qj

More national attention: http://bit.ly/qWWdHc

Mr. Metoyer's sense of outrage seems to always kick in whenever any tv host or journalist scores an interview or article that receives the type of broad coverage that has evaded him during his less than illustrious career. Beyonce has constantly starred in videos full of bumping and grinding and very suggestive movements. Mr. Morgan's question is simply an example of "the chickens coming home to roost"

Edwin, your personal attack on me is meaningless and irrelevant to this conversation; nor do you know anything about my career. Professional Journalists should know how to ask tough questions without insulting the interview subject.

Yes, go ahead and ask Beyonce about her skimpy costumes and that some people consider her to be a bad role model for young women. That's a line of questioning that she should expect to be asked about. But asking her to compare her "booty" to another woman's is sexist and demeaning. We should not allow that kind of Journalism to become normal on respected national networks like CNN!

BTW, Piers Morgan wasn't the first or the only person to interview Beyonce during her coming out week, after being off stage for a year. She did all of the morning shows that week and even performed live for ABC Good Morning America. Piers Morgan just did the worst job of presenting her story and he is being held accountable.

If I were interviewing Beyonce i would have three questions for her:
1) Is it your real booty, or do you have implants?
2) Are you and Jay Z really a couple or is it for show?
3) How much money have you given to Black causes?

Shelley-- I would expect nothing less from you!

I so enjoyed reading these comments. And Shelley's questions made me LOL! Thanks for the stimulation. Good job stirring discussion Ray!

Thanks Joyce-- and thanks for reading and being involved.

Wow! 47 "Comments" and 230 "Recommends." Ray, I think this is a Georgia Patch blog record!!

Ray,

Being in the industry, you should know, that industry insiders have all kinds of secrets to temporarily enhance a persons physical attributes (i.e. lace wigs which have a natural hairline, chicken cutlets for breasts, pads/fat injections for the booty, makeup to make your nose look thinner, glue to make your ears stick out less, etc). And none of that includes the magic of Adobe Photoshop.

Maybe Morgan was trying to be cute in the comparison but it was tasteless.

The real reason she could not answer the question, is because her butt is flat, and NO WOMAN in the entertainment industry, no matter how famous is going to put her "cheats" out there. To answer that would be like a woman with an A-cup who uses chicken cutlets to enhance her size trying to say she has a better chest than Salma Hayek. I suppose.....you could go there, but doing that would expose that you're actually an A-cup. One thing J.Lo and Bey do have in common is a love for lace wigs. In fact its rare if ever you'll see them with their natural hair. On the subject of booty enhancement Beyonce is NOT the only offender Nicki Minaj, Kim Karadashian, Janet Jackson and many white actresses and singers have been known to use removable silicone pads and fat injections.

While agree with you that Morgan was out of line to ask, your assumptions as to why Bey refused to answer are somewhat misplaced. She is an entertainer after all.

Patsy, Thanks for your response and your opinion. I don't keep wanting to repeat myself on what I object to; plus this blog is from July.
The questions and his approach were inappropriate and disrespectful to women. Since his failed Beyonce interview, another woman, Christine O'Donnell walked off the set because of his line of questioning:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/18/christine-odonnell-piers-morgan/

CNN is a respected news network and I would venture to say no other CNN host would ask such a dumb series of questions. His actions were tasteless and indefensible and Beyonce had no obligation to respond to those kinds of questions. Meanwhile, based on his ratings, Beyonce will be singing, acting and entertaining a lot longer than he'll be asking dumb questions on CNN!

Ray Piers Morgan is moron why CNN gave him a job in the first place is beyond anyones guess, but saying that would you have created this blog if he had asked that question to J-Lo first.

Neil-- I'm not sure that I understand your question and we've all moved on from this. I was offended at his line of questioning because I thought it was disrespectful and tasteless. I would react the same way if he had asked the question of any woman in the same way.

Well all i can say is that i am disappointed that a metoyer went on a rant like this it was not professional at all please do not argue with people over less important issues like this it seems to me if you want things to change be in charge of cnn or the media which is really liquidated down to four major companies all of this hooraw isnt solving anything